The Colony on Callisto

Although this book is squarely in the sci-fi genre, it should definitely appeal to fans of other genres. That's because it is above all else a "people book." This is the story of Sara Marshall's development from an abused and neglected child into a powerful and fearsome warrior fighting for the preservation of humankind. Some sci-fi readers, who expect uncomplicated heroes engaged in continual conflict, will be disappointed at the detailed character-development and the time spent presenting complex scenarios and world-building. These details are necessary to lay the foundation for the story's multifaceted progress from a familiar Earth-based world view to that of Callisto's more exotic and alien environment.

This is a well-written book whose text is totally appropriate for its genre. If you have any doubts, you should read the sample by clicking on the cover image. Also, down below, you'll find an excerpt from one of the chapters.

The following quotes are from the reader reviews:

"Genuinely suspenseful and moving."

"In my opinion, it is an excellent candidate for a Steven Spielberg film."

"... witty, tender and compelling."

"This book was a great summer read."

"I recommend people to read this book for a good storyline and adventure."

"Whether you are a fan of sci-fi or not, the human (and non-human) relationships in the story make this story relatable for fans of every genre."

"This is a satisfying story - full of many technical details and fun to read - quite a rare reading experience these days!"

"I ... was taken by surprise many times along the journey."

"The sci-fi elements are there for those who enjoy that genre, but others who may not normally be drawn to sci-fi will find it enjoyable as well."

Enjoy!

Summary

The year is 2036, and Earth faces imminent destruction. In a desperate attempt to preserve the human species, thirty-two people are launched toward Callisto, an icy moon of Jupiter. Their success is threatened not only by hasty preparations and extreme physical conditions but, also, by formidable foes - both within and without - who are bent on their destruction. Sara Marshall was an Olympics-bound athlete and math professor before being selected for this mission. Reluctantly, she became caretaker of a five-year-old boy. Together they are the best hope for humankind's survival.

This is a story of exploration, discovery, adventure, and heroism with surprising twists and turns along the way. There's even a beautiful alien princess in the mix. But the heart of the story is family: its meaning, the universal need for it, and the sacrifices we are willing to make to preserve it.
About the Author: The Colony on Callisto is a story about space colonization. The author, Danny Davis, has degrees in Physics and Math and has published in a prominent peer-reviewed science journal. He has taught college math for many years and worked in industry on NASA projects. This scientific background definitely helped with the writing. A few years ago, Danny got interested in apocalyptic/post-apocalyptic novels. He read novels in that genre by Cormac McCarthy, Stephen King, Doris Lessing, Margaret Atwood, Justin Cronin, and others. This reading undoubtedly influenced the apocalyptic nature of The Colony on Callisto. Danny's interest in literature ranges widely. He'll read almost anything from Victorian and earlier periods. He is a special fan of Jane Austen, George Eliot, Charles Dickens, and Anthony Trollope. Some of his favorite contemporary writers are Lauren Groff, Louis Bayard, and Kate Atkinson. Asked what he likes about Victorian writers such as Dickens, Trollope, and Eliot, Danny replies: "The Victorian era was a time of significant repression for women. They had few opportunities in terms of education and occupation. They were usually dependent upon men for their very subsistence. Most of the time, this dependence took the form of finding a husband, but once married, women lost almost all legal rights. A husband controlled everything, money, property, even his wife's body. These Victorian writers, by sympathetically portraying the plight of women in this era, helped create a popular, progressive atmosphere out of which the women's rights movement of the later Victorian period evolved. In my novel, The Colony on Callisto, my hero is Sara Marshall. During her youth, she is a victim of the same kind of repression as suffered by her Victorian predecessors. But in our modern day, she is also the beneficiary of the great strides that women have taken toward achieving equal rights. Buoyed by those achievements and her own strength of character, Sara Marshall finds for herself a place of prominence in both academics and athletics." Danny lives on forty acres in rural Georgia with his wife, a very large stray dog, and the occasional field mouse.